Protocol for the evaluation of an efficacy of a health literacy intervention in decreasing mortality, morbidity and improving the quality of life of patients with heart failure

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome that impairs the ability to achieve proper filling or ejection, inwhich patients have typical symptoms and signs. It is a major Public Health problem with a high incidence and prevalence associatedwith high morbidity and mortality. The management of the patient with HF is complex, requiring in its treatment the work of specialized multidisciplinary teams in which the management of cardiac-healthy habits and self-care will play a leading role. Knowingthe health literacy (HL) level of patients is a fundamental piece that will help us to provide a holistic attention, based on individualneeds, promoting in this way the empowerment of the patient. Our aim will be to evaluate the effectiveness of an HL intervention forimproving quality of life and decreasing morbidity/mortality.Methods: A two-arm randomized controlled clinical trial will be conducted, with concealment of randomization. Patients with diagnosis of HF attended in cardiology and internal medicine consultations of 5 hospitals in Spain will be included.(AU)